Comprehension specific guidelines

ddewell@goodtogreatschools.org.au August 7, 2023

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Comprehension specific guidelines

Students take the Comprehension Placement Test before beginning instruction to determine their appropriate placement. There are three possible tests to the placement test. The placement procedure is designed so students sit for two tests. Student performance determines which tests are given.

All students begin with Test 1.

Test 1

The process:

All students must have a pencil.
Students are tested as a group.
The tester passes out the test forms, face down.
The tester says, ‘Turn your paper over and write your name at the top. You will circle the correct answer for each item. Begin now.’
The tester does not provide help for decoding the items or identifying the answers.
At the end of the ten-minute period, the tester collects the test forms.

The scoring process:

Count one error for each incorrect item.
For items two or four, students are to circle four answers. If they don’t circle all four correct answers, the item is scored as one error.
The total number of errors is recorded on the blank area at the beginning of the test form.
Students who make more than seven errors take test 2.
Students who make seven or fewer errors take Test 3.

Test 2

The process:

The tester familiarises themselves with the acceptable responses for the various comprehension items. Tester judgement is called for in evaluating the appropriateness of responses to many items.
All students are tested individually and in a quiet place. They should be tested away from other students who will be tested later.
Allow ten minutes per student to complete the test.
The tester fills in the top of the test form with their student information. This is the form the tester will record on.
The tester says, ‘I’m going to ask you some questions. Do your best to answer them. There’s no time limit, but if you don’t know the answer, tell me and we’ll move on to the next item. This test is not designed to grade you. It’s designed to help us figure out how we can work with you most effectively.’
The tester presents the test orally to each student.
Students respond orally and the tester circles the responses that are incorrect.

The scoring process:

Total the student’s errors by counting every circled response number.
Enter the total number of errors on the blank area at the beginning of the test form.
Determine the placement of the student based on the placement table.

Test 3

The process:

All students must have a pencil.
Students are tested as a group.
The tester passes out the test forms, face down.
The tester says, ‘Turn your paper over and write your name at the top. You will write the answer for each item. Begin now.’
The tester does not provide help for decoding the items or identifying the answers.
After ten minutes, the tester collects the test forms.

The scoring process:

The tester uses the answer key for the correct answers.
Each incorrect response counts as one error.
If students correctly underline only part of the specified group of words in sections A or B, score a half error.
Enter the total number of errors on the blank area at the beginning of the test form.
Determine the placement of the student based on the placement table.

Turn to page 45 in Corrective Comprehension B2 Teacher’s Guide and page 57 in Comprehension C Teacher’s Guide. Practise giving the placement test to an adult. Read the presentation notes for Test 2.

Teach Corrective Reading Comprehension B2-C

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Comprehension specific guidelines

ddewell@goodtogreatschools.org.au August 7, 2023